Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Drivers across eastern Pennsylvania and northwest New Jersey are facing a sudden and dangerous start to New Year’s Day as a fast-moving snow squall sweeps through the region, rapidly turning roads slick and reducing visibility to near zero.
According to the National Weather Service office in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, the snow squall tracked quickly across eastern Pennsylvania early this morning, reaching the I-95 corridor during the peak of the morning commute. While the duration is brief, forecasters warn that conditions can deteriorate in minutes as intense bursts of snow combine with gusty winds.
Snow squalls are especially hazardous because they arrive with little warning. Visibility can drop to whiteout levels, and road surfaces can become snow-covered almost instantly. Even though snowfall amounts are typically minor, the rapid change in conditions often leads to spinouts, chain-reaction crashes, and major traffic delays.
The greatest impacts are focused along major roadways, including I-95, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, and I-295 in New Jersey. Areas from Philadelphia north toward Bucks County and into parts of northwest New Jersey are seeing the most abrupt changes. Emergency alerts may be issued directly to mobile phones when snow squalls are occurring or imminent.
Officials urge drivers to slow down immediately when encountering heavy snow, turn on headlights, and avoid sudden braking. If possible, delaying travel until the squall passes is the safest option, as conditions typically improve quickly once the band moves through.
Behind the squall, colder air settles in with improving visibility, but lingering slick spots remain possible on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Crews are monitoring highways, though the rapid onset makes pretreatment difficult.
The National Weather Service emphasizes that additional brief squalls remain possible this winter season. Drivers are encouraged to stay weather-aware, especially on cold, dry days when snow squalls are most likely to form. Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
